Woman Charged with Second-Degree Murder After SUV Hits Metro Bus in Chatsworth
Bailee Rios, 36, was indicted on second-degree murder, DUI and reckless driving charges following a collision that killed two and injured five, while authorities continue a federal probe into a related helicopter crash.
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman announced Thursday that Bailee Rios, 36, of Simi Valley, faces a second-degree murder count, a charge of driving under the influence of a drug causing injury, and reckless driving after her SUV struck a Metro Line 166 bus in Chatsworth on Tuesday evening. If convicted, she could receive a life sentence with the possibility of parole.
According to the Los Angeles Police Department, Rios drove a 2004 Ford Expedition south in the northbound lanes of De Soto Avenue, ran a red light at high speed and collided with the side of the bus near Nordhoff Street. The impact ejected one passenger and partially ejected another; debris also damaged a nearby Honda CR-V. Two victims, identified as Daniel Castillo, 46, and Gage Weida, 31, died, and six others were transported to hospitals with varying injuries.
Rios, who had drugs in her system and narcotics found in her vehicle, was booked on Wednesday with bail set at $4.03 million. She missed a scheduled court appearance due to a medical event but is expected to be arraigned on Friday. Hochman said a full chemical analysis is ongoing and that the specific drugs and quantities have yet to be determined.
A federal investigation is also examining a separate NBC4 helicopter crash that occurred blocks from the bus collision, which killed three people. Hochman indicated that any potential link to the current prosecution will be considered after the federal inquiry concludes.
Metro spokesperson Jose Ubaldo confirmed Rios was treated for injuries at a hospital before being taken into custody. The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department reported that Rios was initially listed as deceased, a report later corrected.
A community vigil for the five victims of both incidents is planned for Thursday evening at St. John Eudes Church in Chatsworth. Supervisor Lindsey Horvath said her office is coordinating with local authorities and Metro to support affected families and understand the circumstances of the crashes.
Anyone with information about the bus collision is asked to contact LAPD officers Reyes or Lozon, or the LAPD Valley Traffic Division.